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Pakistan Air Force Squadrons

As of 1999 the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was organized into eighteen squadrons, with a total of 430 combat aircraft. Following the traditions of Britain's Royal Air Force the Squadrons of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF)are awarded Standards upon completion of 25 years of service. In 2007 PAF raised a new squadron, specialising in night strike role. The newest Squadron No.27 is based at PAF base Rafiqui near Shorkot, equipped with Mirage aircraft converted for the specialised role.

On 18 April 2009 Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, who was undertaking his inaugural visits to various PAF bases after assuming the command of Pakistan Air Force, visited PAF Base Peshawar. On arrival at the base, he was presented Guard of Honor by a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force. He also reviewed the parade presented by the Base personnel. Addressing Airmen, Air Chief Marshal Qamar Suleman said "The first ever fighter squadron of JF-17 Thunder aircraft will be raised and stationed at Pakistan Air Force Base, Peshawar. By the end of 2009, full strength of JF-17 Thunder aircraft squadron, which will also be the first ever squadron in the world, will be operational at PAF Base, Peshawar."

The Pakistan air force began receiving new-build F-16s from Lockheed Martin beginning in 2009. The 18 aircraft on order-plus a major upgrade package for the nation's existing aircraft and further options-will dramatically enhance the service's capabilities and will bring to a close a controversial 20-year procurement saga. During that time Pakistan turned increasingly to China for the majority of its weaponry, and while it ordered large numbers of F-7 and JF-17 fighters to maintain numbers, the U.S.-made F-16s will bring a welcome boost in precision attack capability.